The 2026 edition of the Pinetop Perkins Foundation Workshop offered an exceptional immersion into the musical, historical, and cultural heart of the Mississippi Delta. The week unfolded as both an artistic journey and a human experience, profoundly shaping the young musicians who took part.
Arrival in Memphis and First Discoveries
Enzo and Fred arrived in Memphis on the evening of Friday, June 12. They immediately began exploring the legendary Beale Street, attending a performance by Rodd Bland at the Blues City Café, a powerful introduction to the city’s vibrant musical life.
The weekend was dedicated to discovering Memphis in greater depth. On Saturday and Sunday, the group visited Soulsville, Sun Studio, and several major landmarks of the Civil Rights Movement. On Sunday morning, they attended a gospel service during which Enzo was invited to join the house band on guitar, creating a memorable and moving moment for everyone present.
On Sunday evening, Rhys and his mother arrived from Texas while the group was heading to the airport to pick up Viggo. Once reunited, the full group returned to Beale Street to explore its many clubs and soak in the city’s unique atmosphere.
Southbound: Tracing the Roots of the Blues
On Monday, the group set off southward to explore key sites in blues history. Stops included Como, Avalon, Greenwood, and Bentonia, each carrying its own legacy and stories. The day concluded in Jackson, where the students participated in the renowned Blue Monday at Hal & Mal’s. All three trainees performed on stage, marking their first musical engagement of the week.
From Belzoni to Clarksdale: A Pilgrimage Through Blues Country
Tuesday’s journey led the group back north toward Clarksdale, with meaningful stops along the way. In Belzoni, birthplace of Pinetop Perkins, the students connected with the roots of the very foundation hosting their workshop. In Indianola, they explored the BB King Museum, gaining insight into the life and influence of one of the Delta’s greatest icons. The route continued through Tutwiler and Claremont, near the site often cited as the “true” Crossroads.
Upon arriving at the Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale, the group met the other students and instructors. The first evening jam session began soon after, a joyful, spontaneous moment that set the tone for the days ahead.
Workshop Sessions and Musical Growth
On Wednesday morning, Rhys had to leave the workshop prematurely due to personal reasons. Meanwhile, Enzo and Viggo began their formal training with Mr. Sipp and Brandon Miller, assisted by Andrew Sullivan. After the class photo session and lunch, they continued working before joining the evening jam, which was already more structured and cohesive than the previous night.
Thursday followed a similar rhythm of classes and rehearsals. Enzo, whose musical quality had been noticed by Brandon Miller, was invited to accompany the instructors during a rehearsal of Billy Branch’s “Begging For Change”, joined by a choir and a group of harmonica players. Both Enzo and Viggo performed several times during the evening jam, clearly appreciated for their talent and attitude.
Final Preparations and the Ground Zero Concert
Friday was dedicated to forming the different student bands, selecting repertoire, and rehearsing for the final concert at Ground Zero Blues Club. The performance began at 7 p.m. and lasted until midnight. Highlights included an original composition by Enzo performed by his group, which also featured Viggo, a remarkable 15‑minute rendition of “Begging For Change”, and a deeply moving Juneteenth tribute led by Andrew Sullivan with “A Change Is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke. The evening ended with heartfelt goodbyes as everyone prepared for their final night of rest.
Return to Memphis and Final Musical Moments
Awakened by a storm on Saturday morning, the group began the return trip to Memphis, stopping at Dockery Plantation, Merigold, Walls, and Tunica, sites essential to understanding the origins of the blues. That evening, they enjoyed a final dinner at the Blues City Café during a performance by Blind Mississippi Morris, who invited Enzo and Viggo to join him for the second half of his set. It was a fitting final moment before the journey back to Europe.
Conclusion: A Transformative Experience
These workshops, combined with a first-hand exploration of the Delta’s most significant blues landmarks, offer young musicians far more than technical progress, already considerable in their case. They return transformed because they gain a deeper understanding of the blues: its approach, its posture, its collective spirit, and above all, its humility.
For them, it is a joy. For me, it is an honor to accompany them, share these moments, and help them discover a region whose history and culture continue to shape the music they love.
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